Unlike the day before, the Mets decided to use a starter who would give them a chance to win. And that’s just what they did, as they downed the Nationals, 3-2, in the first of a four-game set to end the season.
David Peterson came out throwing strikes early. And that allowed him to complete seven innings for the first time this year. Peterson had thrown 93 pitches after six innings and for most of the year, that would have meant a new pitcher for the seventh. But, finally, the Mets stopped treating the starter as if he was made out of glass. And the world did not end. Maybe there’s a message in there somewhere.
Peterson ends his rookie season with a 6-2 record and a 3.44 ERA. Not too shabby for a guy who started the year at the alternate site as a depth starter. In his last three game, Peterson allowed just 4 ER in 18 IP, good for a 2.00 ERA.
Dominic Smith had three hits, including two doubles. But the hitting star of the night was Robinson Chirinos, who had two hits, including a homer, and drove in all three runs of the game for the Mets.
The Mets had 15 baserunners in the game but a 2-13 mark with RISP, with one of those hits being an infield one that didn’t drive in a run, kept it a low-scoring game.
Justin Wilson hurled a scoreless eighth inning and Edwin Diaz allowed a run in the ninth but held on for his sixth save of the year.
Gut Reaction: Peterson had a game that topped off a good season. In 9/10 starts he allowed only 3 runs or less and 3 of those were quality starts. It was refreshing to see him pitching beyond 100 pitches. His pitching assures him of a 2021 rotation spot.
Robinson Chirinos had a good game that topped off a poor season. He shouldn’t be in the 2021 plans.
Diaz gave up his first run in September and for the first time I felt confident that he still would close it out. This season he has reclaimed the closer role and will anchor the 2021 bullpen.
Wilson had his 10th hold. He was scored upon 5 / 23 appearances . He is a FA that should be resigned.
So hard to get over Mets not making this postseason when 8 teams get in. Damn !
To think low budget teams like the Rays, Marlins, Twins, Jays can all get in, all smarter and more fundamentally sound is really perplexing and frustrating. I am not talking Dodgers, Cubs or Braves here ! I live in Florida and I can tell you straight up that the avg person doesn’t give a hoot about the Marlins or Rays, and yet, those teams are going to the playoffs !!! Us suffering Met’s fans would kill to get in and have success. Oh well, our success came in the way of the front office with S.Cohen and getting rid of the Wilponzies.
Let’s pray for SC’s ok from the other owners and let’s move on to the offseason. An offseason of hope, promise , JT Realmuto and a couple of pitchers, maybe a true CF (Nimmo is a good player, but not a bonafide CF) and see you in a few months – Feb- in Port St Lucie.
There are actually still 3 scenarios which the Mets can squeak in to the playoffs. All of the require the Mets to sweep the Nats and the Marlins to lose all 3 of their games (that means we must root for the Yankees)
They would then either need
1. Phillies to lose their final 3 games (Mets would get 2nd place East)
2. Stl wins at least 2 from Brewers, Giants lose 3 of 4 (Mets would get 2nd WC)
3. Brewers sweep Stl, Stl loses at least 1 vs the Tigers, Giants lose 3 of 4 (Mets would get 2nd WC)